What is the ruling on producing alcohol that is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, such as perfumes?
Intoxicating alcohol in medicine is unlawful (haram), based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Every intoxicant is Khamr, and every Khamr is unlawful." It is forbidden to use it for treatment, based on his (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Seek treatment, but do not seek treatment with what is unlawful." However, if the alcohol is not intoxicating, or it has been treated until its intoxicating effect is removed, then there is no objection to adding it to medicines and using it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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